If you don’t have a primary care provider or have not had a recent clinical breast exam, Powell Valley Healthcare’s Women’s Health providers are again offering free clinical breast exams this October. Simply call the clinic and schedule an appointment at 754-7770. Early detection of breast cancer is the best prevention of serious complications from the disease. In addition to a clinical breast exam, annual mammograms are very important in detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages. If you don’t have insurance or the means to afford a mammogram, programs are available to help. “We want to give women access to these free clinical breast exams, so they don’t miss getting checked, and the opportunity to catch breast cancer early,” said Kristin Greenwald, registered nurse at the Women’s Health clinic. “Sometimes people loose access to health insurance or simply can’t get the coverage they need, and they miss these important screenings,” said Greenwald.
In addition to the free clinical breast exams, Dr. Carletta Collins and physician assistant, Dan Fong, at the PVHC Oncology & Hematology clinic, are offering free consults for women who may be at high risk of developing breast cancer. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, if you have a first-degree relative (mother, sister) who developed breast cancer before age 50, you should start doing breast imaging 10 years before the age in which your relative was diagnosed. Also, if you have multiple relatives who have had breast cancer on the same side of the family or have several family members who were diagnosed before age 50, there is increased probability that a breast cancer gene is contributing to this, according to the Foundation. If this is the case for you, getting tested for breast cancer gene mutations is very important. Dr. Collins has worked with several women to complete this important testing to help prevent breast cancer. “Germline genetic testing allows us to identify genetic risks and plan tailored strategies, such as enhanced screening, to improve outcomes for at-risk patients,” said Dan Fong, PA-C. If you have questions about genetic testing or breast cancer in general, don’t hesitate to call the oncology clinic at 754-1264.